How do you leave a life? I'm asking my great-grandmother.

I've been concentrating so much on the weight of my suitcases, that it has taken me until now to realize that before I enter this new life (for real), I have to leave the old one.

I've stocked up on some of the things that I can buy here in Ottawa, but haven't been able to find in France. I've cancelled things (gym membership still is in tact for a few days). And I've said goodbye to some of my friends.

Mostly, I feel that I'll be back and that I'm just going on a long trip. But I guess this could become more than that. My parents could move cities or we could start spending Christmases somewhere else.

Before I go, I've still got preparations to do for the book. Years and years ago, there was another leap like this made in my family. My great-grandmother met a man in England, where she lived, and he asked her if she'd like to come to Canada. She said yes, and apparently never went back -- she REALLY left the old life for the new one.

She didn't have the internet, she had post cards -- her only communication with that old life.

And now I have them.

Today, I'll continue to tackle boring paperwork and I'll go into CBC to say hello. But tomorrow, I'll immerse myself in my great-grandmother's leap story... before I'm again immersed in my own.